Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa

Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa from ALMFII on Vimeo.

I received the new Vado HD camera in time for Christmas. Here is some test footage of the night I received it, I am such a geek. I hope to get some great Christmas footage.

An amazing talent - Paul Dateh

Slumdog Millionaire is a Winner

Slumdog Millionaire is a winner; it is story telling at its best, easily one of best films of 2008. The story is heroic, romantic, tragic, but also one of conquest. The cast is outstanding; I can't recall when I have seen such incredible child actors. The story spans approximately 15 years and the main characters are played by two to three children representing various ages.

The story is clever and quick paced; there were occasions that I literally slid to the edge of my seat in anticipation. The film also provides a view into the caste system still prevalent in India's culture. It is such an important film to see, it is the triumph of the human spirit against insurmountable odds.

A standout in the phenomenal caste is the Freida Pinto, her beauty is ethereal. I found myself thinking that she has to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her role was far from glamorous but her natural beauty could not be subdued which also is a core element of the story.

Did I mention that this is based on a true story? Take your Lover, your parent, your best friend, but you must see this movie.

Muslim arrested over scarf

Shoe Thrower Gathers Support

The Baghdad reporter Muntadhar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at President Bush in an attempt to humilate him, is garnering support throughout the world. He yelled "This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" to Bush as he took aim at the President. Throughout the Arab world protestors have taken to the streets and airways demanding al-Zaidi's release.

His supporters are not limited to the Arab world. Bush is vilified throughout the modern world for his actions, policies and invasion of Iraq. In March of 2007 I was in Rio de Janiero when protesters threw rocks and bottles at his limo and demonstrated in the streets where ever he spoke. Riot police were the only thing that keep the protesters from their intended target.

The symbolism of throwing the shoes is now being lost as it has become a joke and ammunition for late night comedians. al-Zaidi's intent was to bring to the forefront the tens of thousands of Iraqis that have died in Bush's war.

I read a terrific article this morning, check it out: http://riverscrap.typepad.com/home/2008/12/iraqi-shoethrower-steals-limelight-from-suicide-bombers.

X Factor 2008 FINAL: Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah

This is one of my favorite songs and only the second time I heard Alexandra sing. I am unfamiliar with her competition to be honest, but nevertheless she is the Winner!

A Jihad for Love (2007) - Parvez Sharma

A Jihad for Love (2007)

In a time, when Islam is under tremendous attack-from within and without-'A Jihadfor Love' is a daring documentary-filmed in twelve countries and nine languages. Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma has gone where the silence is strongest, filming with great risk in nations where government permission to make this film was not an option. A Jihad for Love is the first-ever feature-length documentary to explore the complex global intersections of Islam and homosexuality. With unprecedented access and depth, Sharma brings to light the hidden lives of gay and lesbian Muslims from countries like Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, France, India, and South Africa. The majority of gay and lesbian Muslims must travel a lonely and often dangerous road. In many nations with a Muslim majority, laws based on Quranic interpretations are enforced by authorities to monitor, entrap, imprison, torture and even execute homosexuals. Even for those who migrate to Europe or North America and adopt Western personae of "gay," the relative freedoms of new homelands are mitigated by persistent racial profiling and intensified state surveillance after the terrorist attacks in New York, London and Madrid. As a result, many gay and lesbian Muslims end up renouncing their religion. But the real-life characters of A Jihad for Love aren't willing to abandon a faith they cherish despite its flaws. Instead, they struggle to reconcile their ardent belief with the innate reality of their being. The international chorus of gay and lesbian Muslims brought together by A Jihad for Love doesn't seek to vilify or reject Islam, but rather negotiate a new relationship to it. In doing so, the film's extraordinary characters point the way for all Muslims to move beyond the hostile, war-torn present, toward a more hopeful future. As one can imagine, it was a difficult decision for the subjects to participate in the film due to the violence they could face. However, those who have come forward to tell their stories feel this film is too important for 1.4 billion Muslims and non-Muslims around the world for them to say no. They are willing to take the risk in their quest to lay equal claim to their profoundly held faith. "A Jihad for Love' is produced by Sandi DuBowski (Director of Trembling Before G-d) in association with ZZDF-Arte Channel 4, and LOGO.

Les personnes que Parvez Sharma présente dans son film documentaire sont des musulmans croyants et ils sont gays. Dans la plupart de leurs pays d’origine, ils font de ce fait partie d’une minorité opprimée, une minorité dont on ne parle pas, victime de persécutions et d’humiliations, exclue de la vie publique.

Original languages:(English Arabic Hindi Persian Urdu French) hardsubbed with French. TV ripped from Arte "the intellectual" TV channel in France.

http://www.foriegnmoviesddl.com/2008/12/jihad-for-love-2007-parvez-sharma.html

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"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!"

808s & Heartbreak - Pure Brilliance!

Amazon gave me a five dollar digital gift certificate for my latest purchases. I am not in the habit of buying MP3 albums, I prefer to have the physical CD. However when I saw Kanye's 808s & Heartbreak on sale for $8.99 I could not pass it up. The album is pure brilliance, Kanye West is truly gifted as an artist and producer.

Each songs emotes such pain, desolation, isolation, or loneliness and the simplicity of the production only enhances each track. I am not a fan of the vocoder and whenever I am exposed to him, I want to punch T-Pain in the throat. Kanye uses the vocoder not so much as a gimmick but as a production tool.

After listening to it a few times I found myself feeling pretty damn good about having true friends, family, and love. It is a great CD but be prepared it is hypnotic, cathartic, and dark.

Model - Dave Seepersad

Handsome Dave Seepersad is a beauty of East Indian descent, standing at 6 feet tall. He is relatively new to modeling and interested in working with other professionals for the sake of Art. What a stunning man and flawless complexion, simply gorgeous.

BANNED Pres. Bush Interview

This is a video, found by albelnox33175, of an Irish TV interview with President Bush. This interview was not shown on American television, you'll see why.

I just saw it on CNN.com: Ancient cannabis stash unearthed in China

(CNN) -- An ancient race that lived 2,700 years ago in the Gobi Desert may have been among the first to use cannabis for medical or religious purposes.

Researchers believe an ancient Gushi shaman may have consumed or burned pot for medical or religious purposes.

Nearly two pounds of the plant was found stashed in the tomb of a Gushi shaman. It was high in the chemical compounds that provide its psychoactive properties.
"It had evidence of the chemical attributes of cannabis used as a drug," said Dr. Ethan Russo, an author of a study published in the Journal of Experimental Botany. "It could have been for pain control. It could have been for other medicinal properties. It could have been used as an aid to divination."

Albuquerque police want ad - 'snitches' wanted

In a time of economic recession, desperation, and anxiety a want ad appeared in a local Albuquerque newspaper. Snitches wanted, both previous arrest records and drug use were acceptable.

I have two problems with this tactic, the first being the use of the word 'snitch" in the advertisement. "Police Informant" would be my preference, call them what they are, not an accepted slang term for the ignorant masses. Citizens that refuse to accept violent crime, gang violence, drug dealing on the streets, and criminal retaliation are not "snitches". They are common sensed individuals who take a stand for the communities even though they are often targeted by the criminal elements.

My other problem is by endorsing the concept of "snitch" and paying for information, how credible is it? I have respect for neighborhood activist that try and make their communities a safer place for the elderly, women, and children. I am ambivalent towards anyone that would sell out another for a price and not a moral of ethical code. However it is the sum result that matters.
Too often screams in the night are accompanied by individuals turning down their televisions and turning off the lights while they peep from their windows. How many families must we see pleading on the evening news for someone to step forth, someone who could have perhaps saved a life by dialing "911". If more of us would respond to the cries of help, that are too often ignored, we would not be seeking as many witnesses to murder, rape, and homicide. Crime is only tolerated by criminals and the disenfranchised.

There is a segment of popular culture that promotes "don't be a snitch". While they may influence a segment of the younger unwashed masses, they do not influence their parents or grandparents. Many of these people are victims of fear, first and foremost, others simply accept the status qua and feel powerless to change it.


With the election of President-Elect Barack Obama countless millions believe that their voice was heard. For once their vote counted and change was the result. Lets take that empowerment and change the world in which we live. Crime can only run rampant if we allow it to do so.

Vado HD output - SengKang Drift Meet on 6th Dec 2008

VadoHD - High Definition RC Drifting from Blackmanta7117 on Vimeo.

This drifiting competittion is filmed with the Vado HD pocket camera, check it out

Dear Santa. a change of plans I purchased the Vado HD

Dear Santa, I have a late change in a previous request. The good news is it is a cancellation, I no longer want the The Flip Mino HD . I actually decided on a Vado HD and decided to get it myself for our family Christmas ski trip.

It was a tough decision, the Vado was just recently released and clearly has superior features to The Flip Mino HD . However the video quality is said to be just a close second in quality. You can view the Vado HD's output at vimeo.com, do a search on "Vado HD".

After much debate I decided on the Vado HD for a few specific reasons.
1. The rechargeable battery is removable, the flip is not
2. The Vado HD has a recording capacity of 4 hours versus the Flip's 2 hours in HD format.
3. The Vado HD is rated superior for indoor recording by PC Mag

I am looking forward to playing with my new pocket cam and sharing the footage. It will be posted to vimeo.com and embedded here.

The proposed American Commerce Center

The proposed American Commerce Center will join the ranks of superstructures Taipei 101, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building. The ultramodern architecture and sheer magnitude of the skyscraper is a truly captivating symbol of arrival for Philadelphia.

With its 300 ft spire piercing the skyline and its glass exterior, the 1,510 ft American Commerce Center will reinvent the skyline. The unique shape of the building will include a 63-story Tower for Office space with public gardens, movie theaters and high-end retail and restaurants. A 2-story skybridge will overlook the city streets and connect the Tower to a 26-story, 5-Star hotel, while the shops and gardens on the first levels.

Progressive in every element of its design, Philadelphia's newest skyscraper is aiming for LEED Gold Certification in an effort to not only mitigate the skyscraper's impact on our resources but also to positively benefit the environment.

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, Jenifer Lewis, Maya Rudolph, Neil Patrick Harris, Kathy Najimy, and many more...

href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/85595" title="by FOD Team">"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

Riots in the Streets

Living in former “Murder Capitol of the US” is a sad reality. Philadelphia residents suffered 391 murders in 2007, the highest rate per 100,000 residents among the nation’s 10 largest cities. It is a demoralizing banner and a shameful indication of how violence is simply a part of life in my urban world.

Last week I watched the Greek Riots in amazement and awe. I could hardly believe that a shooting death of a teenager sparked national protest and chaos. I was previously unaware that Greece is one of Europe’s safest nations. Their criminal notoriety is limited to pickpockets, drugs, and gigolos preying on tourists.

The slain 15 year old, Alexandros Grigoropoulos, has become a national hero of sorts. He is the martyr for police abuse, and a political system weakened by scandal. Public demonstration in fairly commonplace in Greece, the government is reportedly full of corruption. However the current situation eclipses anything Greeks have experienced in decades. The damage is reported to be over 1.3 billion dollars US.

Surely I don’t want to believe that Greeks hold human life in higher esteem than Americans. I prefer to believe that we are simply desensitized to violence until it hits close to home. We as a culture emulate prison culture, walking with our pants hanging like we are in cellblock D. Propagating “don’t snitch” as a mantra for the weak minded.

We have genocide in Darfur and daily shootings across the US, yet one boy’s death can unite a nation of youth. How do we fix this?

R.I.P. ODETTA, the "Goddess"

Odetta, our American folk music Legend who moved audiences and influenced fellow musicians for a half-century, has died. The Grammy Nominee and recipient of the National Medal of the Arts was 77 when she passed away yesterday, Tuesday. in New York.

Twelve American presidents owned slaves; eight presidents did while they lived in the White House.

Damn, this is exhilarating!

As you may well be aware, I am a self admitted geek. I love my Tech-Toys, Gadgets, and SciFi. I admit to having four collector edition signed comics, still in the bag, framed and mounted on a wall in my home. I was unfamiliar with Watchmen until now; the series was published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987.

Psychokinesis, Telepathy, and Precognition have always entertained and fascinated me. Does anyone else remember the Fury, which was years before Carrie. Anyway I digress, this movie trailer looks like they are bring their A game to the screen. Although I am a major fan of Heroes I will reserve any comparison until I see the film. Also there is a prequel in a comic book that is coming out soon, check it here at Super HeroHype.com.

I lost 205 pounds

I lost 205 pounds and I really don't feel like celebrating. I now know that there is no advantage to holding on to him, other than being there when he needs me. It seems being needed has always filled my voids and gaps in my own happiness or fulfillment.

For years I opened my heart and my home to those whom could not care for themselves; family matriarchs, and lost children. For the first time in ten years I have no one to shelter or raise. In hindsight i should have continued spending the time on myself.

Taking care of myself carried me to Brazil, Argentina, Egypt and Dubai within a year. I traveled alone but never found myself lonely. It was here back in the states that I thought I found something else, but in reality it was simply being needed.

I am just amazed as to how long it took for me to realize, or perhaps accept, that I freed myself from a life of sacrifice, to my own detriment, only to gleefully enter into another situation. It is difficult to see what someone asks of you when your hands and heart are always giving. This is where my learning begins again.

I've learned many things from the wisdom and generosity of Maya Angelou. One lesson in particular is to believe someone when they show you who they are the first time.

Thank you Ms. Angelou!

"Te conozco bacalado si viene disfrutado"

Dana Summers

John Sherffius

Marshall Ramsey

La Cucaracha by Lalo Alcaraz

Model MAX PHILISAIRE

Haitian born Max Philisaire is a Veteran, Personal Trainer, and Actor. You may remember him from one of several music videos. He also has a 2009 calendar for sale

Trapped In Paradise

Thai anti-government protesters shut down Bangkok's second airport on Thursday, further crippling the kingdom as tourists scrambled to leave and fears grew the crisis was deepening.

Below is an email from my oldest friend, who was also my first love, he is trapped in Thailand.

"Guest what? I'm stuck in Thailand! Yes, my sister and I were scheduled to depart today from Phuket via Bangkok and then through Taipei into LAX. Since the takeover of the airport in BKK, we've been in the south but all flights through Bangkok that had not been re-routed are cancelled. Thousands are stranded.

We're working with out travel agency's representative to get out through Malaysia on 12/3 and perhaps then onto LAX via Taipei, but so far only Malaysia destination is certain. We're safe and yes, we are stuck, albeit in paradise. We would like it to become less cloudy, but that hasn't stopped us from getting cheap Thai massages daily, fending off the sellers of every cheap trinket, or enjoying the beach.

I hope all is well with you and I hope you enjoyed the holiday and are relaxing and taking care of yourself. I will speak with you soon and I have my laptop so I am in touch and making the best of Paradise!

Love,Marc

-- "I'll admit I may have seen better days, but I'm still not to be had for the price of a cocktail, like a salted peanut."Margo Channing (Bette Davis)All About Eve - 1950"

Black Friday with "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" and good friends

Yesterday, on Black Friday, the much anticipated "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" opened at one of the Landmark theaters here in Philadelphia. I previously purchased tickets online to ensure that we could see the film opening day. Upon arrival at the 3:35 viewing I was disappointed to see that it was not sold out. I prefer to think it was because of Black Friday is indeed was the busiest shopping day of the year.

Fortunately, I decided to catch the commuter rail into Center City, Philadelphia. I was amazed at the volume of people I encountered at the train station and on board for a mid-day excursion. There were dozens of families with children, folks headed to the airport, and a several international visitors headed for a walking tour of our historic Philadelphia. The city was packed both with pedestrians and cars clogging the sidewalks and streets alike. Christmas truly is in the air, with hundreds of children headed to see the various Christmas attractions. The most popular by far still is the Wanamaker's, now Macy's, Christmas light show. It has ranked number one since my childhood in the 1960's and the only to survive that long. Our newest attraction is the dazzling display in the lobby of the the still new Comcast Center, the 10-million pixel video wall also known as the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world, measuring 83.3ft x 25.4ft. This technological marvel runs 18 hours a day with shows beginning each hour on the hour.

I arrived at the theater approximately 45 minutes before the ticketed showtime. Bradley, my dearest friend and soul mate, was already there waiting. I picked up the reserved tickets and joined him Bradley at a seat to watch the men pass by while we played catch up. After awaiting the arrival of, Robert and PJ, I decided to head down the escalator and into the theater to secure four premium seats.

Before the escalator reached bottom I saw him. I say "him" because I am always confused for an instant as to exactly how I should address him. No, I am not being shady, upon making his acquaintance initially his name was Ricky. However when I took him to a pool party as my date he corrected me and said his name was Thomas, or was it TJ. It was at the moment of embarrassment that I heard the bell toll for him.

I reached out and grabbed his arm before he could pass. I now believe he saw me but preferred to slip away unnoticed. He glanced at my eyes and looked away smiling. I forgot how he could not hold eye contact. We exchanged pleasantries and spoke of the film, he enjoyed it and assured me that I would as well. We exchanged sincere wishes for the Holiday and embraced awkwardly.

I will not ruin the film by revealing any plot lines or character development. The film opens on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard in winter. I have always found something quite magical about the beach in winter; such a beautiful place, peaceful, serene, and displaying a hypnotic beauty.

It is at this beautiful shore in winter that our story unfolds with our usual cast of suspects. I quickly suspended all reality and settled in to be entertained. There is more than enough drama for your nerves, campy lines, and some truly surprising developments. One moment in particular was a kiss, but not just any kiss. It was a moment when the audience gasped and leaned forward in our collective seats.

Personally, my continued discomfort with the Baby Gat character remains. He has never worked for me, I have always felt he was woefully miscast. Even with my suspended reality he seems like a caricature out of place.

Several years ago, during the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Bradley and I had the pleasure to meet Patrik-Ian Polk, Jensen Atwood, and Rodney Chester. This was well before the LOGO broadcast deal was finalized , Polk then was planning on releasing the show through mail order by DVD. One of the topics that he spoke on was piracy and supporting what he and the cast were attempting to accomplish. After a screening and Q&A session, we met with the director and cast members. Since that moment I developed a sense of admiration for them. my brothers who pursued a dream in spite of the many obstacles they faced.

After the film I met with my own cast of characters over cocktails. We caught up on the holidays, laughed and embraced. We deconstructed Noah's Arc, Quantum of Solace and Twilight. We shared and were distressed to learn of one of our own recent diagnosis with prostate cancer. It was at that moment time seemed to stand still and I realized the beauty of our friendship and camaraderie. We did not cry but instead we hugged and made plans for our next get together in two weeks.

John Legend - A MUST SEE VIDEO - CHECK IT

Did he say he wants to nut on my face? This song is too special not to share, I guarantee you will love it.

Dear Santa, I have totally flipped for The Flip

"Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements"

I've made up my mind,
Don't need to think it over,
If I'm wrong I am right,
Don't need to look no further,
This ain't lust,
I know this is love but,

If I tell the world,
I'll never say enough,
Cause it was not said to you,
And that's exactly what I need to do,
If I'm in love with you,

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

I'd build myself up,
And fly around in circles,
Waiting as my heart drops,
And my back begins to tingle
Finally could this be it

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere, Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Should I just keep on chasing pavements?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere, Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place
should I leave it there?

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

The Film Twilight is Excellent

Last night I joined tens of thousands of young girls at the midnight showing of Twilight. My attendance was totally unplanned and yielded a wonderful surprise. The highly anticipated film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel about a young girl who falls in love with an unconventional vampire. The studio has plans to make a trilogy having acquired the rights to “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” the second and third books in the book series.

The movie is much more of a love story than horror film. I found myself pulled into the story and completely engaged by the cast. I am quite excited to read the best selling books. Some predict that this Trilogy will rival the Harry Potter franchise.

I began my evening at Sang Kee Peking Duck House in Chinatown for a delicious meal with four friends. The Dong Yum Seafood Soup, infused with LemonGrass, and my Seafood Triple Delight were both excellent. The menu is quite extensive and I heard raves reviews of their Peking Duck.

After dinner it was off to the Apothecary Lounge. A chic new lounge on 13th, unfortunately parking was at a premium and I refused to pay for another lot. After circling the gayborhood I eventually ran into Woody's to use the bathroom before heading home. It was there over a cuervo and grapefruit that it occurred to me to see a film.

The California Supreme Court will revisit the issue of same-sex marriage

The California Supreme Court agreed to hear legal challenges to Proposition 8, the voter-approved ballot initiative that amends the constitution to end same-sex marriage. Oral arguments aren't expected until March. For the time being, the court refused to grant a stay.

While many Californians may not believe that same-sex couples have a "right" to marry, the Californian Supreme Court said they do in its landmark marriage case in May.

Unemployment Compensation Extended up to 13 weeks

Before leaving for Peru, President George W. Bush signed into law an extension on unemployment benefits for those who have run out, or are about to run out. This actually is the second extension that Bush has signed during this economic crisis. The extension is 13 weeks in states with an unemployment rate in excess of 6%, otherwise the extension is for a term of 7 weeks.

Finally something for the average man in the time of corporate bailouts. It was rumored that this is one of several requests that President Elect Barack Obama discussed in their joint meeting just over a week ago.

Another hot topic is the Colombian Trade agreement that Bush favors signing before leaving office. Obama and the UN are both concerned with the atrocities carried out against the civilian population.